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Unanimity  among  the  Members  of  the  Church  essential  to 
her  Prosperity  and  Peace: 

A  SERMON, 

PREACHED    IN 

ST.  JAMES'S  CHURCH,  PHILADELPHIA, 

On  the  2Sd  of  May,  1814, 

BEFORE    THE 

CONVENTION  OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


BY  THE  REV.  JOHN  CROES,  D.  D., 

Rector  of  Christ  Church,  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey,  and  President  of 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies. 


PUBLISHED  BY  ORDER  OF  THE  CONVENTION. 


PHILADELPHIA, 

PUBLISHED  BY  BRADFORD  AND  INSKEEP 

G.  Palmer,  printer. 

1814. 


SERMON,  &c. 

Sd  Corinthians,  xiii.  11. 
Be  of  one  ?nind, 

1  HE  religion,  which  we  have  the  happiness  to  enjoy, 
is  distinguished  from  all  other  systems,  not  only  by  the 
wisdom  and  sublimity  of  its  doctrines,  but  also  by  the 
excellency  of  its  moral  precepts.  In  comprehensiveness, 
in  consistency  with  reason,  and  in  purity,  its  morality  has 
no  rival.  Not  a  single  rule  does  it  contain,  for  the  go- 
vernment of  our  passions,  and  the  regulation  of  our 
conduct,  which,  on  the  strictest  investigation,  will  not  be 
found  worthy  of  a  divine  Legislator,  and  productive  of 
individual  and  social  happiness.  It  peremptorily  prohibits 
the  indulgence  of  the  inordinately  sensual,  the  selfish,  and 
the  malevolent  feelings  of  the  human  heart ;  and  calls  for, 
and  cherishes,  that  just,  pure,  generous,  humane,  and 
amiable  disposition,  which,  depraved  as  we  are,  we  are 
compelled  not  only  to  approve,  but  admire. 

As  professors  of  this  holy  religion,  it  is  unquestionably 
implied,  that  we  live  under  the  influence  of  its  precepts, 
that  we  conscientiously  avoid  what  they  prohibit,  and  as 
cordially  perform  what  they  require.  But  though  this 
ought  to  be  the  qpnsequence  of  our  faith  and  profession ; 
though,  indeed,  in  our  initiation  into  this  holy  system, 
we  solemnly  vowed  to  conform  to  the  directions  of  its 
Divine  Author;  yet,  such  is  our  depravity,  such  the 
strong  bias  in  our  nature  to   vice,  that   the  beauty  of 


holiness,  however  acknowledged  in  speculation,  however 
binding  upon  us,  is  too  seldom  mauirested  in  our 
practice.  Hence  arises  the  necessity,  in  the  phraseolog}^ 
of  scripture,  "  of  line  upon  line,  and  precept  upon 
precept:'' — the  necessity,  that  this  holy  religion  should 
not  only  be  constantly  taught,  but  as  constantly  inculcat- 
ed upon  its  professors. 

As  I  stand  before  you,  my  brethren,  for  this  solemn 
purpose ;  permit  me  to  call  your  attention  to  the  subject 
of  one  of  its  important  precepts,  which  has  just  been 
read  to  you  ;  *^  Be  of  one  mind." 

I  liave  selected  this  precept,  not  that  I  would  have  it 
inferred,  that  there  is  less  unanimity  in  our  church,  tlian 
is  common  to  christian  societies  (though  it  must  be  con- 
fessed, timt  there  is  too  little  among  all) ;  but  because  it 
is  so  indis])cnsably  necessary  to  the  well  being  and 
prosperity  of  every  religious  body,  that  it  cannot  too 
frequently,  nor  too  forcibly  be  impressed  upon  its-mem- 
bers, as  well  ministers,  as  j:)eople. 

In  endeavouring  to  illustrate  and  enforce  this  precept, 
there  are  tw  o  view  s,  in  which  I  shall  consider  it :  its 
meaning ;  and  its  advantages. 

Uniuiimity  in  the  church,  especially  implies,  diat  its 
members  hold  die  same  doctrines.  In  other  words,  that 
they  all  sincerely  believe,  what  is  contained  in  die  holy 
scriptures,  and  is  set  forth  in  the  articles  and  creeds  of 
tliat  venerable  institution.  '  This  implies  again,  that  they 
reject  all  doctrines,  as  heretical  or  false,  which  are  not 
warranted  by  the  plain  letter  of  revelatk^n,  and  are  not 
interwoven  in  the  formularies  of  the  church. 

But  unanimity  d(x:s  not  stop  here.  It  must  be  ex- 
tended also  to  die  discipline,  die  mode  of  worship,  and 
the  usages  of  tlie  church.     \W  cannot  be  siiid  to  be  of 


one  mind,  if  some  of  us  entertain  opinions  relative  to  the 
origin,  orders,  and  authority  of  the  priesthood,  difterent 
from  those,  which  have  been  uniformly  held  by  that  res- 
pectable body. 

Neither  can  those  be  considered  as  of  one  mind  with 
their  brethren,  who,  in  despite  of  her  authority,  forsake 
her  mode  of  worship;  or  mar  its  beauty,  by  intentional 
omissions,  innovations,  or  imagined  improvements; — that 
mode,  which  has  stood  the  test  of  ages,  and  has  become 
venerable  from  its  anticjuity,  and  its  intrinsic  excellence. 

It  cannot  be  asserted,  either,  that  the  members  of  the 
church  are  of  the  same  mind,  if  a  part  of  them  cease  to 
respect  the  canons,  which  have  been  adopted  in  her  coun- 
cils, for  the  general  regulation  of  her  affairs:  if,  indeed, 
they  obey  or  disobey  them,  as  it  suits  their  fancies  or  in- 
clinations. 

The  same  remark  is  true  of  those  inconsiderate  mem- 
bers, who  introduce  new  modes,  or  forms  of  their  own  in- 
vention, in  addition,  or  in  opposition,  to  the  long-esta- 
blished usages  of  the  church;  which  usages,  though  not 
sanctioned  by  canons,  ought  not  to  be  departed  from 
^vithout  very  urgent  reasons. 

All  departures,  indeed,  from  prescribed  modes  and 
Iprms,  however  much  the}^  may  please  men's  fancies,  or 
gratify  their  vain  glory,  are  injurious  to  that  unanimit}'^, 
which  the  apostle  so  pointedly  recommends ;  not  only  be- 
cause the  dissimilarity  of  the  modes,  between  different 
congregations,  naturally  tends  to  disunion,  and  gives  oc- 
casion for  the  members  to  say,  "  I  am  of  Paul  and  I  of 
Apollos;"  but,  because  those  ministers,  who  feel  them- 
selves restrained  by  their  ordination  vows  from  violating 
the  canons,  or  departing  from  the  usages  of  the  church, 


f-annol  hut  be   displcasLcl,  and  even   hurt,  at  the  liberty 
\\  hich  their  brethren  take,  and  often  to  their  disad\  antage. 

Besides  ;  il*  one  may  take  the  Hberty  to  introduce  one 
new  mode  or  form,  another  may  take  the  same  Hberty  to 
introcUice  another;  a  third,  a  third  one,  according  as  it 
suits  each  one's  notions  of  expediency  or  utiHty.  Now, 
what,  I  ask,  would  be  tlie  consequence  if  such  conduct 
was  pursued  ?  Certainly  not  that,  wliiph  the  apostle  re- 
commends in  the  text ;  but  that,  which  he  so  severely 
reproves,  in  his  first  epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  and 
entreats  them  to  correct.  "  I  beseech  you,  brethren," 
says  he,  "  by  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye 
all  speak  the  same  thing,  and  that  there  be  no  divisions 
iunong  you  ;  but  that  ye  be  perfectly  joined  together  in 
the  same  mind  and  in  the  same  judgment.  For  it  hath 
been  declared  unto  me  of  you,  my  brethren,  that  there 
are  contentions  among  you.  Now  this  I  say,  that  every 
one  of  you  saith,  1  am  of  Paul  ;  and  I  of  Apollos  ;  and  I 
of  Cephas  ;  and  I  of  Christ.  Is  Christ  divided  ?  Was 
Paul  crucified  for  you  ?  or  were  ye  baptized  in  the  name 
of  Paul?" 

But  there  is  another  luid  a  higher  sense,  in  which 
christians  should  be  of  one  mind.  I  mean,  in  their  zeal 
and  endeavours  to  practise  and  promote  the  great  duties 
of  their  religion  ;  and,  of  consequence,  to  ad\'ance  the 
ifiterests  of  the  church.  Such  was  the  union  of  senti- 
ment, A\hieh  the  apostle  had  mere  particularly  in  view, 
and  without  which,  unanimity,  in  inilrior  respcc  ts,  will 
be  of  little  value. 

Whenever  therefore  the  members  of  a  religious  associa- 
tion, esi^eially  its  ministers,  direct  their  principal  atten- 
tion to  these  great  ol)jects  ;  when  they  are  suitably  im- 
pressed with  tlieir  worth  and  importiuice ;  w  hen,  keeping 


personal  interest,  ambition,  and  vain  glory,  out  of  view , 
they  bend  the  great  efforts  of  their  minds  to  the  promo- 
tion of  the  glory  of  their  Lord  and  Master,  and  to  the 
interest  and  prosperity  of  his  body  the  church ;  when, 
under  the  influence  of  these  high  considerations,  they  are 
kindly  affectioned  one  to  another,  in  honour  preferring 
each  other;  then,  and  only  then,  holding  the  doctrines, 
and  adhering  to  the  laws  and  usages  of  their  communion, 
they  may  be  said  to  be  of  one  mind,  in  the  sense  intend- 
ed by  the  apostle.  Pursuing  this  course,  they  also  truly 
obey  his  injunction,  "  to  endeavour  to  keep  the  unity  of 
the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace." 

Should  it  be  said,  that  however  proper  and  desirable  a 
unanimity  so  perfect  would  be ;  yet,  considering  the 
great  difference  in  the  intellectual  endowments  of  different 
men,  and  the  frailty  of  human  nature,  it  can  hardly  be 
expected. 

I  answer,  that  though  some  difference  of  opinion,  on 
doctrinal  points,  among  the  members  of  the  church,  may 
be  the  consequence  of  the  disparity  in  the  human 
intellect,  and  the  defect  in  its  cultivation ;  yet  those, 
especially  ministers,  who  cannot  precisely  agree  with  the 
established  doctrines,  ought  not  to  disturb  the  unity  of  the 
church,  by  calling  in  question  the  truth  of  her  principles. 

Such  persons  should,  at  least,  respect  opniions,  which 
have  been  sanctioned  for  ages,  by  a  succession  of  learned, 
wise,  and  pious  men ;  and  rather  doubt  the  correctness  of 
their  own  views.  At  any  rate,  if,  on  the  maturest  delib- 
eration, they  think  they  cannot  consistently  withhold 
their  sentiments,  it  would  be  far  better  to  withdraw  from 
her  communion,  than  to  disturb  her  union  and  peace. 
Nothing  less,  however,  than  the  most  urgent  cause  can 
justify  even  this  step. 


Tiic  huinc  ohservaiioiib  will  apply  to  those  members, 
who  arc  not  entirely  pleased  ^^  ith  the  mode  of  worship, 
whicli  the  ehurch  has  adopted,  or  fancy  they  can  amend 
or  improve  her  liturgy  ;  and  to  those  who  are  dissatisfied 
with  any  of  her  canons  and  iisai^s  ;  with  this  difference, 
hoAvevcr,  that,  as  modes  of  worship,  canons,  and  usages 
ai*e  not  particularly  pointed  out  in  scripture,  but  are  the 
results  of  human  wisdom,  the  same  excuse  cannot  be 
oftered,  for  their  separation  from  the  church  on  these  ac- 
counts ;  unless  such  persons  can  shew,  that  they  are 
contrary  to  the  word  of  God.  At  all  events,  the  interest 
and  union  of  the  church  require,  that  they  should  either 
conform,  or  withdraw,  whatever  may  be  the  consequence 
of  the  latter  to  themselves. 

The  frailty  of  human  nature,  it  must  be  confessed,  is  a 
great  obstacle  to  that  perfect  union  of  heai*ts,  that  single- 
ness and  disinterestedness  of  views  and  conduct,  which, 
spurning  at  our  own  petty  interests,  and  desires  of  popu- 
larity and  eminence,  seeks  only,  or  chiefly,  the  advance- 
ment of  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  the  eternal  welflire  of  our 
christian  brethren.  But  what  else  was  the  design  of  our 
union,  under  the  gi'cat  head  of  the  church  ;  what  of  those 
divine  influences,  which  he  procured  for  our  simctifica- 
tion,  unless  to  enable  us  to  overcome  this  obstacle,  to 
correct  the  depra^'ity,  and  strengthen  the  weakness  of 
our  nature ;  and  thus  to  produce  that  "  communion  of 
s;»ints,"  which  is  the  perfection  of  the  christian  state  ? 

The  ad\antagcs  of  uiuuiimity  come  next  under  con- 
sideration. 

In  c \er}  association,  whether  for  temporal  or  spiritual 
puq)oses,  unity  of  sentiment  and  action  is  considered  in- 
dispensable to  its  prosperity  and  usefulness;  because  such 
unity  gives  it  strenirth,  confers  on  it  dignity — promotes 


affection,  and  consequently  peace,  among  its  members, — 
puts  down,  or  silences  opposition, — and,  if  it  be  institut- 
ed expressly  for  religious  purposes,  it  checks  the  pro- 
gress of  vice  and  immorality  within  the  sphere  of  its  in- 
fluence,— and  causes  it  to  enjoy,  in  an  eminent  degree,  the 
presence  and  favour  of  the  great  Head  of  the  church. 

Strength  is  a  property,  in  all  communities,  deservedly 
esteemed.  Without  it,  no  social  institution  can  be  of 
much  utility,  or  have  a  long  duration.  Without  strength, 
indeed,  it  may  be  productive  of  much  mischief.  The 
same  institution,  possessing  the  qualities  of  power  and 
energy,  is,  on  the  contrary,  capable  of  great  and  useful 
undertakings ; — it  may  do  much  good.  The  strength  of 
a  society  consists  principally  in  the  number,  influence, 
ar\d  virtues  of  its  members.  Unanimity  tends  not  only  to 
increase  these;  but  is,  in  itself,  in  the  place  of  number, 
compared  with  societies,  where  contention  or  division 
prevails. 

Unanimity  also  confers  dignity  on  an  association.  It  is 
the  evidence  of  Avisdom  and  virtue,  especially  of  the 
virtue  of  magnanimity  and  disinterestedness  among  its 
members :  and  these  ai'e  qualities,  which  always  command 
the  respect  and  esteem  of  beholders. 

Mutual  affection,  and  consequently  peace,  are  likewise 
effects  of  unanimity,  in  religious  communities.  Nothing 
i^  so  productive  of  a  union  of  hearts,  as  a  union  of  senti- 
ments. To  think  alike,  to  pursue  the  same  object  by  the 
same  means,  to  make  our  individual  views  and  interests 
give  way  to  the  views  and  interests  of  the  whole,  to 
throw,  as  it  were,  all  our  virtues,  and  all  our  exertions 
into  a  common  stock  for  mutual  benefit ;  what  else  could 
result  from  such  condescension,  such  self  denial,  but 
mutual  love,  and  its  attendant  peace  ?     And  are  not  these 

B 


10 

among  tlie  most  distinguished  blessings  of  indulgent 
Heaven  ? 

Harmony  in  the  ehurch  tends  also  to  put  down,  or 
silence  opposition.  Infidels,  heretics,  and  other  enemies, 
avail  themselves  of  every  argument,  within  the  scope  of 
tlieir  ingenuity  tuid  observation,  to  discredit  revelation,  or 
to  bring  our  holy  religion,  certain  important  doctrines  of 
it,  or  our  particular  church  into  disrepute.  In  none,  arc 
they  more  successful,  than  in  those,  which  they  derive 
from  the  imprudences  and  follies  of  discordant  dioceses, 
or  congregations.  To  deprive  them  of  this  ^\•eapon 
therefore  is  of  vast  importance,  not  only  to  our  religious 
community,  but  to  the  universal  church.  This  can  be 
effected  only  by  removing  the  cause ;  by  making  harmony 
succeed  to  discord ;  unanimity  to  division. 

Again  :  being  of  one  mind  in  the  church,  tends  to 
check  the  progress  of  vice,  within  the  sphere  of  its  influ- 
ence. This  f^xrellent  quality  among  its  members,  puts 
out  of  countenance  every  species  of  gross  and  public 
immorality ;  and  renders  religion  so  dignified,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  so  amiable,  that  even  the  dissipated  and 
profligate  cannot  but  revere  it ;  and  even  secretly  desire 
to  be  under  the  influence  of  principles,  so  excellent  in 
themselves,  and  so  productive  of  happiness  to  the  com- 
munity •  and  indeed,  by  tlie  blessing  of  God  upon  such 
instructive  and  afiecting  examples,  persons  of  this  de- 
scription are  often  happily  brought  from  darkness  to 
light,  and  from  die  power  of  SaUm  unto  God. 

But  the  greatest  good  resulting  to  tlie  church,  or  to 
any  section  of  it,  from  unanimity  among  its  members,  is 
the  especial  presence  and  favour  of  its  divine  head,  the 
Lord  Jesus  Clirist.  For  where  two  or  three  ivrc  gadiered 
togetlicr,  in  his  name,  he  has  deckircd,  diat  he  is  in  tlic 


11 

midst  of  them.  In  other  words,  that  every  religious  as- 
sociation,  however  small,  whose  .members  are  cordialFy 
united,  on  truly  christian  principles,  for  the  worship  of 
God,  the  promotion  of  his  glory,  and  the  eternal  welfare 
of  men,  enjoys  the  presence  of  their  beneficent  Lord; 
who,  by  his  Spirit,  excites  their  devotion,  directs  and 
prospers  their  counsels,  warms  their  breasts  with  mutual 
love,  and  inspires  them  with  that  wisdom,  which  cometh 
down  from  above,  which  is  first  pure,  then  peaceable^ 
gentle,  and  easy  to  be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and  good 
fruits,  without  partiality,  and  without  hypocrisy.  What 
benefit,  more  valuable  than  this,  can  men  enjoy  ?  From 
what  source  can  they  derive  such  inestimable  favours,  but 
from  the  Lord  of  life,  the  author  of  their  existence  and 
salvation  ?  And  to  possess  his  approbation,  his  presence, 
in  the  highest  sense  of  the  terms,  is  the  consequence  only 
of  unanimity,  as  well  as  zeal  and  faithfulness  in  his 
service. 

But  the  royal  psalmist  has  told  us^  that  unity  among 
brethren,  is  not  only  good  or  advantageous ;  but  is  also 
pleasant.  "  Behold,"  said  he,  in  the  hundred  thirty- 
third  psalm,  "  how  good,  and  how  pleasant  it  is,  for 
brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity."  Can  a  lovelier 
scene,  indeed,  be  exhibited  on  earth  ?  Can  wc  conceive 
of  any  thing  more  perfect,  than  a  band  of  christians, 
cordially  united,  in  principles,  affection,  and  noble  views  ? 
An  association,  in  which  the  highest  source  of  each  one's 
pleasure,  the  first  object  of  his  ambition,  is  to  please  his 
Lord  and  Saviour,  and  promote  the  interests  of  his 
church.  "  Such  a  society  is  a  true  epitome  of  the  church 
triumphant."  Happiness  is  its  reward ;  for  "  the  happi-^ 
ness  of  one  becomes  the  happiness  of  all." 


12 

Contrast  this  scene,  with  a  scene  of  discord,  clashing 
^Ibvs  and  interests,  and  reciprocal  enmity.  How  amiable, 
how  plciising,  does  thh  former  appear;  how  deformed, 
how  disgusting  the  latter  I 

Justly,  therefore,  did  the  psalmist  make  the  beautiful 
exclamation,  which  has  just  been  repeated  to  you. 

Influenced  by  its  truth,  and  by  the  excellency  of  union, 
can  we  avoid  saying,  ^vith  the  late  pious  Bishop  Home; 
Ithen  commenting  on  the  whole  psalm ;  **  O  come  the 
day,  when  division  shall  cease,  and  enmity  be  done 
away;  when  the  tribes  of  the  spirituid  Israel  shall  be 
united  in  a  bond  of  eternal  charity,  under  the  true  David, 
in  the  Jerusalem  which  is  above ;  and  saints  and  angels 
shall  sing  tliis  lovely  psalm  together." 

The  topics  proposed  having  been  discussed,  I  shall 
now,  in  addition  to  the  arguments,  which  have  already 
been  used,  respectfully  urge  upon  you  the  duty  of  com- 
plying with  the  apostle's  injunction.  But,  while  I  perform 
this  office,  I  am  far  from  intending  to  intimate,  that,  in 
the  respectable  body  now  convened,  any  thing  has  occui'- 
red  to  give  occasion  for  such  exhortation.  On  the  con- 
trar}',  it  is  with  much  pleasure  I  declare,  that  a  greater 
degree  of  unanimity  has  seldom  prevailed  among  the 
memlxirs  of  any  religious  body,  especially  when  convened 
from  parts  so  remote  from  each  other.  The  exhortation, 
therefore,  must  Ix:  understood  as  intended  rather  to  excite 
to  greater  unanimity,  than  to  dissuade  from  any  discord, 
which  may  be  supposed  to  exist. 

Of  the  fitness,  the  advantages,  and  the  amiableness  of 
unanimity,  among  the  ministers  of  Christ,  especially 
among  those  of  the  siime  communion,  you,  my  reverend 
fathers  iukI  brethren,  can  have  but  one  opinion.  But, 
though  tliis  is  the  fact;  tliough,  as  a  happy  means,  hi  re- 


ducing  this  opinion  into  practice,  we  should  entertain  the 
same  sentiments,  on  doctrines,  discipUne,  and  mode  of 
worship  ;  though  we  should  think  alike  on  the  subject  of 
canons  and  usages;    yet,  in  the   diversity  of   opinions, 
relative  to  matters  of  mere  expediency ;  on  the  unexpect- 
ed frustration  of  our  favourite  plans;    in  the  moments, 
when  our  irascible  passions  are  excited,  by  the  hasty  or 
unguarded  expressions  of  our  brethren,  the  best  of  us  are 
so  apt   to   lose   sight  of  the   principles,   which    should 
govern  a  religious  association,  and  to  suffer  a  spirit  of 
contention  Lo  aribc,  that  frequent  admonitions  to  unanimity 
and  brotherly  love,  are  not  only  not  unnecessar}^,   but, 
indeed,  exceedingly  useful.     Permit  me,  therefore,  to  call 
to  your   recollection,  the  precepts  of  the  holy  religion, 
which  we  profess,  and  of  which  we  are  public  teachers. 
Do  they  not  explicitly  forbid  us  "to  look  at  our  ovm 
good  alone,"  to  be  influenced  by  selfishness,   ambition, 
and  a  spirit  of  contention  ?     Do  they  not,  on  the  contra- 
ry, teach  us  "to  let  nothing  be  done  through  strife  or 
vain  glory ;  but,  in  lowliness  of  mind,  to  let  each  esteem 
others  better  than  himself," — "  to  be  perfecdy  joined  in 
the  same  mind  and  in  die  same  judgment;" — "to  stand 
fast,  indeed,  in  one  spirit?"     Are   we  not  told  by  St. 
Paul,  that  "  charity  suffereth  long  and  is  kind  ;  that  charity 
envieth  not;  that  charity  vauntcth  not  itself;  is  not  pufied 
up  ;  seeketh  not  her  own  ;  and  is  not  easily  provoked  ?" 
Do  we  not  also  constantly  pray,  in  our  excellent  liturgy, 
that  christians  "  may  hold  the  faith,  in  unity  of  spirit,  in  the 
bond  of  peace,  and  in  righteousness  of  life  ?"     If  there- 
fore we  would  act  consistently  with   our  profession,  as 
christians ;    and   our    high    and    responsible    stations    in 
the    church ;    let  us    sincerely  and   firmly  resolve,   ^A'idi 
divine  aid,  to  counteract  that  propensity  to   selfisliness. 


14 

^\  hich  is  so  predominant  in  our  nature ;  and,  in  all  our 
public  deliberations,  to  keep  only  in  view,  the  glory  of 
our  Lord  and  Master,  and  the  best  interests  of  his 
church.  The  effect  of  this,  would  necessarily  be,  union 
and  peace.  Can  we  then  for  a  moment  hesitate,  as  to 
the  adoption  of  resolutions,  so  just  and  so  obligatory  in 
themselves,  and  so  productive  of  good?  If  we  desire, 
that  unanimity  may  prevail  in  the  congregations,  **  over 
which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  us  overseers,"  can  we 
deliberate,  whether  we  shall,  by  mutual  self  denial,  and 
forlx'arancc,  set  diem  die  cAamplc?  To  ua  dic^  look  up, 
and  very  justly,  for  a  pattern  of  every  virtue.  If  they  do 
not  find  it,  can  we  complain,  or  be  disappointed,  that  our 
instructions  and  admonitions  are  ineffectual  ?  Let  us  not 
then,  by  neglecting  our  duty,  afford  them  an  excuse  fbr 
continuing  in  sin,  or  for  disturbing  the  peace  and  har- 
mony of  the  church.  To  say  more  would  be  superflu- 
ous. Our  own  sense  of  duty,  die  importance  and  res- 
ponsibility of  our  offices,  and  the  amiableness  and  advan- 
tages of  the  great  virtue,  which  is  now  inculcated,  ^^•ill 
doubtless  induce  us,  to  use  all  our  efforts,  under  God,  for 
its  preservation  and  promotion. 

To  you,  my  respected  brethren  of  the  laity,  may  I  be 
permitted  to  suggest,  diat  the  obligations  to  unanimity 
arc  not  less  binding  upon  you  than  upon  us.  If  it  be 
our  duty,  as  "dispensers  of  the  divine  word,  and  en- 
samples  to  die  flock,  tp  keep  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the 
bond  of  peace  ;"  it  is  not  less  your  duty  to  use  your  best 
exertions  for  the  s;une  good  purpose.  Let  me  entreat  you, 
therefore,  cordiall}-  to  unite  with  us,  in  the  cultivation  of 
Iiarniony  in  the  church.  Among  other  means  for  this  im- 
portant purpose,  let  nic  prevail  on  you  to  discountenance 
nil  innovations,  or  departures  from  her  rubricks,  or  estab- 


15 

lished  usages ;  every  thing,  indeed,  which  produces  dis- 
similarity between  different  congregations,  and  consequent- 
ly tends  to  division.  Reflect  on  the  happy  consequences  of 
a  coincidence  of  sentiments  among  members  of  the  same 
religious  communion,  and  discourage  every  thing,  which 
will  tend  to  interrupt  it.  Let  no  personal  dislike,  tempo- 
rary displeasure,  or  consideration  of  interest,  prompt  you 
to  put  at  hazard  the  harmony,  which  should  always  pre- 
vail among  the  disciples  of  Christ. 

Pursuing  this  course,  you  will  give  dignity  and  influ- 
ence to  our  church,  and  enjoy  the  sweet  satisfaction, 
which  arises  from  the  consciousness  of  endeavouring  to 
promote  her  interest  and  peace,  and  the  glory  of  our 
blessed  Lord. 

Finally,  brethren,  whether  members  of  other  sections  of 
the  christian  church,  or  of  the  one  which  worships  in  this 
temple,  give  heed  to  the  admonition  of  the  apostle,  in  the 
text,  and  endeavour,  in  imitation  of  the  primitive  chris- 
tians, "to  be  of  one  heart  and  one  soul."  "Let  nothing," 
I  repeat  the  words  of  the  apostle,  "  be  done,  through 
strife,  or  vain  glory ;  but  in  lowliness  of  mind,  let  each 
esteem  others  better  than  himself:"  and  may  the  God  of 
peace  so  bless  our  endeavours  for  this  purpose,  that  all 
who  behold  our  cliurch,  may  be  induced  to  exclaim,  in 
the  beautiful  words  of  the  psalmist,  "  behold,  how  good, 
and  how  pleasant  it  is,  for  brethren  to  dwell  togetlier  in 
unitv!" 


FINIS. 


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